Saying Goodbye to Hazel - Help Ross w Vet Relief
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PLEASE DONATE - A relief effort to lift the burden of a staggering Veterinary Bill for Ross Gorrie, after losing his companion & therapy dog Hazel. Hazel recently lost an unexpected battle far too early in life, against an undetected fungal-disease.
Anyone who knows Ross Gorrie, understands his profound love and connection with his beloved Husky, Hazel.
7 years ago in Thunder Bay, Ross found a litter of husky puppies abandoned on the road. With his kind and caring heart, Ross jumped into action finding all of the puppies homes except for one, who he decided to adopt himself. That puppy would soon become his trusted sidekick, Hazel.
Hazel helped Ross through some of the most challenging, and rapidly changing times of his life. She timed her arrival perfectly, being there exactly when Ross needed the utmost support and love during his Father's unexpected passing. What we see as Ross rescuing an animal in need, would actually become Hazel rescuing Ross, and keeping him lifted during dark times.
Travelling from coast to coast, constantly by one another's side, the life and bond these two share is unwavering. Not even the most strict rental laws, or rainiest weather in Victoria BC would stop Ross from spending his days with his best friend. For Kiersten, their new life in BC would not have been the same without Hazel. Finding enjoyment in their days together while Ross was at work, Kiersten and Hazel quickly grew closer. Feeling lonely in this new landscape, Hazel’s bond lightened Kiersten's heart and allowed her to discover the very things she loves about B.C. No matter the challenges they faced, Hazel would be there with her giant smile, always by their side, conquering desert mountainous hikes, fern covered valleys and galloping down beautiful sea shores.
It is with extremely heavy hearts that we face the sudden and unexpected passing of this amazing spirit & animal, as she makes her way over the rainbow bridge.
We’re taking a moment to explain this experience to you, in hopes to raise awareness around the disease that Hazel recently contracted, and help recognize the signs early on.
What started out as recurring ear infections and odd behaviours, has tragically turned into every pet owners worst fear. Unknowingly, Hazel contracted one of many types of fungal infections that dogs & cats are susceptible to.
Upon leaving Ontario, we thought the worries of environmental fungi like Blastomycosis were gone, not expecting BC had its own fungal strains we would need to be mindful of. Cryptococcus or C. Gatti, is a fungus that most commonly grows on decaying Douglas Fir & Hemlock Trees, it also lives in the soil around trees and in the water of that area. Like most dogs, the ultimate playtime for Hazel is going on forest hikes, digging big holes or playing in the water. It can be very difficult to prevent, as the disease can be contracted directly, but is also spread through bird droppings - often from pigeons in urban areas, especially on sidewalks. First emerging in BC’s temperate forests back in 1999, C. Gatti has been relentlessly infecting people, dogs and cats, resulting in Vancouver Island having the highest infection rate globally.
On Easter Sunday (2 weeks ago), Hazel was not herself, turning down play time and showing drastic changes in behaviour and energy. Some initial signs were lethargy, confusion, whining, and stumbling over her paws. Hoping to catch any issue early, Ross and Kiersten responded quickly and spent Ross’s birthday at the Vet clinic having Hazel thoroughly examined. Unfortunately, any diagnosis was unclear at this time, and Hazel was sent home with some medications including steroidals, in hopes it would improve her new issues. As we all do when concerned with our pets, they relied on Veterinary expertise, not knowing these were the early neurological signs of a fungal infection. Despite their location on Vancouver Island being the hot spot for C. Gatti infections, multiple Vet clinics unfortunately failed to consider ruling out a disease like this.
Fungal diseases may seem rare, but they warrant more serious consideration upon Veterinary exams. It’s important to share this info with you, so that you may be equipped to challenge your Veterinarians when they don’t have enough answers for you & your pets.
Over the following weeks they watched closely for any changes, and at first Hazel was showing improvements in her energy & behaviour. Later, concerning signs returned such as pacing in circles, panting profusely, or standing with her head in the corner, stuck in place. On April 22nd they planned to revisit the Vet clinic the following morning, but Hazel was rushed to the emergency Vet hospital that night after enduring a sudden seizure at 2 am. Once admitted she experienced additional seizures before Vets were able to sedate and medicate her. Hazel remained in intensive care overnight to receive constant monitoring, diagnostics, medications, fluids, and additional tests to stabilize her and narrow down the underlying issue. For the following 48 hours all Ross could do was wait from home and pray for news that her condition would begin to improve, but still with no answers around the root of the problem, it was difficult to be hopeful. On Friday April 24th Ross received a phone-call that Hazel was declining rapidly and had gone into cardiac arrest, the Vet informed there was nothing else that could be done at this point, and it would be best to say goodbye. He explained the eventual diagnosis to Ross, describing the Cryptococcus fungal infection and that Hazel was exhibiting all of the signs, a conclusion which was unfortunately made far too late.
As a result of the efforts in trying to save Hazel, Ross is now facing a staggering Veterinary bill, a burden which we feel is the last thing he should have to bear right now, especially with the timing of COVID & loss of work. As his friends and family, we know how much of himself Ross gives to each and every person who crosses his path - whether it be a physical lending hand, or the time he takes to talk you through any issue you may be having, even if you’re just having a bad day. Ross never hesitates to share his advice, knowledge, and inspire us all to be the best versions of ourselves.
As Ross’s friends & family, we would like to pay the kindness forward and show him how much of an impact he’s had on everyone’s lives around him. We love you Ross, Kiersten and Hazel <3 We hope this can help relieve one of the biggest worries on your plate right now, and give you the time needed to properly mourn this loss.
Rest in Peace Haze, may you run down endless beaches in doggy heaven. <3
To read more about these fungal diseases that can affect you & your pets across North America, see the links below.
Cryptococcosis
https://canadawestvets.com/blog/2010/12/04/the-fungus-among-us-cryptococcus/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_Cryptococcosis
Blastomycosis
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/blastomycosis-in-dogs
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/dogs-fungal-infection-blastomycosis/
Anyone who knows Ross Gorrie, understands his profound love and connection with his beloved Husky, Hazel.7 years ago in Thunder Bay, Ross found a litter of husky puppies abandoned on the road. With his kind and caring heart, Ross jumped into action finding all of the puppies homes except for one, who he decided to adopt himself. That puppy would soon become his trusted sidekick, Hazel.
Hazel helped Ross through some of the most challenging, and rapidly changing times of his life. She timed her arrival perfectly, being there exactly when Ross needed the utmost support and love during his Father's unexpected passing. What we see as Ross rescuing an animal in need, would actually become Hazel rescuing Ross, and keeping him lifted during dark times.
Travelling from coast to coast, constantly by one another's side, the life and bond these two share is unwavering. Not even the most strict rental laws, or rainiest weather in Victoria BC would stop Ross from spending his days with his best friend. For Kiersten, their new life in BC would not have been the same without Hazel. Finding enjoyment in their days together while Ross was at work, Kiersten and Hazel quickly grew closer. Feeling lonely in this new landscape, Hazel’s bond lightened Kiersten's heart and allowed her to discover the very things she loves about B.C. No matter the challenges they faced, Hazel would be there with her giant smile, always by their side, conquering desert mountainous hikes, fern covered valleys and galloping down beautiful sea shores.It is with extremely heavy hearts that we face the sudden and unexpected passing of this amazing spirit & animal, as she makes her way over the rainbow bridge.We’re taking a moment to explain this experience to you, in hopes to raise awareness around the disease that Hazel recently contracted, and help recognize the signs early on.
What started out as recurring ear infections and odd behaviours, has tragically turned into every pet owners worst fear. Unknowingly, Hazel contracted one of many types of fungal infections that dogs & cats are susceptible to.
Upon leaving Ontario, we thought the worries of environmental fungi like Blastomycosis were gone, not expecting BC had its own fungal strains we would need to be mindful of. Cryptococcus or C. Gatti, is a fungus that most commonly grows on decaying Douglas Fir & Hemlock Trees, it also lives in the soil around trees and in the water of that area. Like most dogs, the ultimate playtime for Hazel is going on forest hikes, digging big holes or playing in the water. It can be very difficult to prevent, as the disease can be contracted directly, but is also spread through bird droppings - often from pigeons in urban areas, especially on sidewalks. First emerging in BC’s temperate forests back in 1999, C. Gatti has been relentlessly infecting people, dogs and cats, resulting in Vancouver Island having the highest infection rate globally.
On Easter Sunday (2 weeks ago), Hazel was not herself, turning down play time and showing drastic changes in behaviour and energy. Some initial signs were lethargy, confusion, whining, and stumbling over her paws. Hoping to catch any issue early, Ross and Kiersten responded quickly and spent Ross’s birthday at the Vet clinic having Hazel thoroughly examined. Unfortunately, any diagnosis was unclear at this time, and Hazel was sent home with some medications including steroidals, in hopes it would improve her new issues. As we all do when concerned with our pets, they relied on Veterinary expertise, not knowing these were the early neurological signs of a fungal infection. Despite their location on Vancouver Island being the hot spot for C. Gatti infections, multiple Vet clinics unfortunately failed to consider ruling out a disease like this.
Fungal diseases may seem rare, but they warrant more serious consideration upon Veterinary exams. It’s important to share this info with you, so that you may be equipped to challenge your Veterinarians when they don’t have enough answers for you & your pets.
Over the following weeks they watched closely for any changes, and at first Hazel was showing improvements in her energy & behaviour. Later, concerning signs returned such as pacing in circles, panting profusely, or standing with her head in the corner, stuck in place. On April 22nd they planned to revisit the Vet clinic the following morning, but Hazel was rushed to the emergency Vet hospital that night after enduring a sudden seizure at 2 am. Once admitted she experienced additional seizures before Vets were able to sedate and medicate her. Hazel remained in intensive care overnight to receive constant monitoring, diagnostics, medications, fluids, and additional tests to stabilize her and narrow down the underlying issue. For the following 48 hours all Ross could do was wait from home and pray for news that her condition would begin to improve, but still with no answers around the root of the problem, it was difficult to be hopeful. On Friday April 24th Ross received a phone-call that Hazel was declining rapidly and had gone into cardiac arrest, the Vet informed there was nothing else that could be done at this point, and it would be best to say goodbye. He explained the eventual diagnosis to Ross, describing the Cryptococcus fungal infection and that Hazel was exhibiting all of the signs, a conclusion which was unfortunately made far too late.As a result of the efforts in trying to save Hazel, Ross is now facing a staggering Veterinary bill, a burden which we feel is the last thing he should have to bear right now, especially with the timing of COVID & loss of work. As his friends and family, we know how much of himself Ross gives to each and every person who crosses his path - whether it be a physical lending hand, or the time he takes to talk you through any issue you may be having, even if you’re just having a bad day. Ross never hesitates to share his advice, knowledge, and inspire us all to be the best versions of ourselves.
As Ross’s friends & family, we would like to pay the kindness forward and show him how much of an impact he’s had on everyone’s lives around him. We love you Ross, Kiersten and Hazel <3 We hope this can help relieve one of the biggest worries on your plate right now, and give you the time needed to properly mourn this loss.
Rest in Peace Haze, may you run down endless beaches in doggy heaven. <3
To read more about these fungal diseases that can affect you & your pets across North America, see the links below.
Cryptococcosis
https://canadawestvets.com/blog/2010/12/04/the-fungus-among-us-cryptococcus/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_Cryptococcosis
Blastomycosis
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/blastomycosis-in-dogs
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/dogs-fungal-infection-blastomycosis/
Organizer and beneficiary
Amanda Plotzki
Organizer
Vancouver, BC
Ross Gorrie
Beneficiary